1.
extremely, very, exceedingly
A formal intensifier indicating a very high degree.
I'm extremely sorry, but today's meeting has been cancelled.
Very formal apology in business context
非常に is a formal adverb meaning 'extremely' or 'very.'
Position: Appears before adjectives or adverbs it modifies.
Modifies: Adjectives (both i-adjectives and na-adjectives), some adverbs, and verbal expressions.
[Register: Formal/Written]
Similar adverbs (from formal to casual):
- 非常に: Formal, written, business contexts
- とても: Neutral, general use
- すごく: Casual, spoken
- めっちゃ: Very casual, slang
非常に vs. とても:
- 非常に is more formal and stronger
- Use 非常に in presentations, formal writing, polite speech
- Use とても in everyday conversation
Related word: 非常 as a noun means 'emergency' (非常口 = emergency exit).